Abstract: An automatic hub clutch for the front wheels of a four-wheel drive vehicle which enables said wheels to automatically become engaged or disengaged from the front axle shaft when the transfer case of the vehicle is shifted to the required operating mode. The hub clutch comprises a plurality of gears the engagement of which is carried out through a control assembly that includes a control plate which forces a plurality of ball members over a cam surface for compressing a spring member to move the gear members into engagement with one another. The gear members are moved out of engagement under the action of a spring when the ball members are moved over the cam surface in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A differential for a four wheel drive vehicle includes an integral remotely operable axle disconnect. The axle disconnect comprises a clutch collar suitably splined to each axle shaft which has face coupling teeth engageable with opposed mating teeth on the hub of each differential side gear. Axial motion is imparted to each clutch collar by a fork member and linkage driven by a suitable two-position actuator.